Brain Fitness for Life

Brain Fitness for Life has long reported on the positive benefits of physical exercise and brain health:

• https://brainfitnessforlife.com/fitness/physical-brain-boosters
• https://brainfitnessforlife.com/brain-exercises/want-to-get-smarter
• https://brainfitnessforlife.com/uncategorized/exercise-to-get-new-neurons
• https://brainfitnessforlife.com/alzheimers/even-a-little-exercise-is-beneficial

Recent research coming out of the Mayo Clinic, and published in the Archives of Neurology, adds to the growing body of evidence that adults who engage in moderate exercise during midlife or late in life are less likely to suffer from mild cognitive impairment.

The study, titled , showed exercise started after the midlife years was associated with a 32% reduction in developing mild cognitive impairment. If exercise started earlier during one’s midlife years the reduction was even higher (39%). Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging had this to say about the study, “This research represents another step toward recognizing the importance of physical activity as it relates to cognitive fitness. Maintaining cognitive abilities is among the top five issues that concern older adults. This study reinforces the fact that as you age, it is especially imperative to take preventative measures when it comes to your overall health.”

Actively engaging in maintaining a healthy brain through a well-rounded approach that consists of eating healthily, participating in brain fitness, and taking part in moderate exercise is generally regarded as the ideal way to reduce your risk of cognitive impairments.

If you are new to physical fitness, start off with exercises that increase your heart rate and move large muscles, like jogging or chopping wood. Know your comfort zone and start off slow. Walking is a safe place to start for most people and does not require special equipment. Simple daily tasks, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or bicycling somewhere instead of driving may also be a good way to start. Strive for exercising three or more times a week for twenty minutes or more. If you get bored easily, recruit a friend. Fitness tends to be more enjoyable in groups and socializing is great for the brain too!